How many done 1/4 patch (pic)

[70ptta]

Due to the cost of full 1/4s Im debating doing either the small lower patch panel or the 1/4 skin.  Has anyone done this and have pictures?  I guy doing the work for says he'll do any one of the 3 for around the same price.  The only thing Im worried about is how they align after.  I know the full 1/4 would be the easiest.  An opinions?

[70ptta]

Hers a pic so you get an idea.  I started tearing chunks of the metal but decided to stop till I know how far im going to take it.  My metal guy says I can get away with a patch and he can replace the sheet metal after that.  But I think I need at least the a skin.  what do you guys think?

[bb71challenger]

I have only done a extreme lower quarter patch panel. From all I have heard the best way to go is to save up and get the full quarter whether you need it all or not. The fit is so much better from what I have heard.

[cudachall74]

I just had same prob with 74 challenger ended up doing outerwheelhouse inner qtrs and outer qtrs from hip line down i used goodmark panels found some slight differences but worked out ok.purests would pick.in my opinion if you want the untouched original look best to do complete qtr.but mine worked out ok and im not building a show car just a good streeter will post pics soon.Greg.

[360 'CUDA]

You might want to take off all of the paint and bondo before you decide.  That area has a reputation of being much worse then it looks at first.

The flaking above the wheelwell tells the tale so I think you might end up doing the lower skin at least.  The other thing you might be able to do is use the patch as far up as it goes but then make a long patch above the center of the wheelwell.

[70ptta]

any one have pics of how much you took off when doing a 1/4 skin

[alphabuck]

when i bought my skins i intended to only use the body line down. after some consideration i decided to use the whole thing.  my car has a stripe up high so i used it as a place to make my cut.  that opened it up enough that i can properly fit the skin. after i get the skin fitted ill have about another inch or so to remove just leaving enough under the skin for flanging.  its beyond my skill set to make a clean 4 foot butt weld at this time.  i bought a flange punch tool and i intend to flange the existing quarter where it meets the skin.  in the words of the immortal clint eastwood " a mans got to know his limitations " the flange tool is nice to have since it has a punch which ive found to be useful on my floor and trunk pans etc. http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/sunsx278.html

[mrbill426]

Good thread, I am in the same boat with mine; and if front of the wheels too.

 

[alphabuck]

Hers a pic so you get an idea.  I started tearing chunks of the metal but decided to stop till I know how far im going to take it.  My metal guy says I can get away with a patch and he can replace the sheet metal after that.  But I think I need at least the a skin.  what do you guys think?

im no expert but your car looks prety darn similar to mine in that area.  that means youre probably going to need to repair or most likely replace the trunk extension that the quarter attaches to and probably do some rehab of the wheel houses as well. 

[Topcat]

Here is how I grafted an old existing skin to a new one. Of course it's off the car however you can use screws drilled thru both once if its on the car and its aligned exactly where it needs to be. Then cut thru both with your wheel cutter. As you cut every few inches, put a butt weld. If everything is dead on so will be the new skin.

[70ptta]

Great info and pics.  I think Im going to invest in a flange tool. I know my trunk extensions are done.  I was going to fab an extension with some sheet metal.  Again just trying to keep cost down I got a cuda, challenger that need metal, a trans am that needs paint and impala that needs finishing so cost is a big thing right now.

[alphabuck]

Here is how I grafted an old existing skin to a new one. Of course it's off the car however you can use screws drilled thru both once if its on the car and its aligned exactly where it needs to be. Then cut thru both with your wheel cutter. As you cut every few inches, put a butt weld. If everything is dead on so will be the new skin.

the difference between a skilled veteran and a rookie hack 

i just know if i tried something like that id end up with a quarter that waved at me like a kid going off to college.

[Topcat]

Oh yeah, forgot to mention. when you spot weld, quench with air nozzle tip at spot weld area immediately to prevent any possible chance of warpage. Not very likely to happen if your welder is turned down but it's better to play it safe by doing so.

[Chlngrcrzy]

I patched in front of the wheel and behind the wheel on the rear driver side. If i had to do it agian i would buy the whole quarter. The patch peices did not line up all that well and were of different material and thickness. I replaced the passenger side rear quarter complte and it went on real slick.

[cudaguy71]

I replace the full quarter on Drivers side using a Paddock part.  I only needed to replace the lower qtr on Passenger side and found that at JC Whitney, good price and good steel..  Both parts fit great...

Link to Whitney part.  I bought mine in 1997 and the price is up a little but much lower that full qtr...
http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/VehicleBrowse/tf-VehicleBrowse/s-10101/N-111+1973+200731195+600010596/c-10114

Here is a pic of the Whitney lower qtr installed...